8 ancient Roman shoes of 'exceptional size' discovered at Roman fort near Hadrian's Wall
Live ScienceWednesday, July 2, 2025 at 6:25:30 PM
Archaeologists digging near Hadrian's Wall in England stumbled upon something unexpected—eight ancient Roman shoes, all unusually large. The leather footwear, found at the Magna fort site, suggests the wearers were towering figures by Roman standards. While the average Roman shoe was modest in size, these XXL relics hint at soldiers or civilians with notably big feet, sparking curiosity about who wore them and why.
Editor’s Note: This isn't just a quirky footnote in history—it's a tangible glimpse into daily life along Rome's northern frontier. Big shoes mean big people, and that could reshape assumptions about the diverse body types (or even origins) of those stationed at the edge of the empire. Plus, well-preserved leather finds are rare, so each stitch tells a story about craftsmanship and survival in a harsh, distant outpost.
— Curated via WP Now’s
